The AIA College of Fellows inducted 82 members of the Institute and 13 distinguished architects from other nations into their ranks at a ceremony June 9 at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The celebratory event honors the inductees for their significant contributions to architecture and society nationally, and for consistently achieving excellence in the profession.

The new fellows walked the processional in the building designed by AIA Gold Medal recipient Frank Gehry, FAIA, which the concert hall notes the architect designed to create the feeling of traveling along a ceremonial barge to music. That description was apt as the members of the jury, officers of the College of Fellows, former presidents, and AIA President Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, filed in to the 2,265-seat auditorium, its natural lighting and a curved wood ceiling providing a grand space for the special event.

“On this auspicious occasion, we are privileged to be in such a splendid space,” said Ted P. Pappas, FAIA, chancellor of the College of Fellows. “Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry, FAIA, to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world, providing both visual and aural intimacy. This setting is spectacular with the stainless steel curves of its striking exteriors and its state-of-the-art acoustics of the hardwood-paneled main auditorium. The 3.6-acre complex embodies the unique energy and creative spirit of Los Angeles.”

Pomp and circumstance
Mark Reddington, FAIA, chair of the 2006 Jury of Fellows, welcomed the new fellows and their guests to the program. As the organist fired up the pipe organ, with its 6,134 pipes filling the hall for the audience to enjoy the acoustical quality of the concert hall, Reddington invited the former chancellors, officers of the College of Fellows, and Schwennsen to join him on the stage to receive the processional.

Schwennsen remarked that these new fellows would follow in the footsteps of architectural ancestors Louis Kahn, Mies van der Rohe, and Eero Saarinen and join 2,500 active members of the College. Reinforcing the message of the day’s convention theme of “Engagement,” Schwennsen said, “As we unleash the power of architecture to develop a body of verifiable evidence that shows precisely how design matters, and as the public begins to understand, truly understand, the power of design to elevate and enrich the human experience, the public will become one of our profession’s most powerful allies in working toward a better world. We must continue to explore innovation in design, construction, and beyond; examine the challenges of the public realm; and inspire fresh visions of a preferred future for the profession and for the built world.”

As Reddington called on the new members of the College of Fellows, each was joined by a former president and escorted to the stage and escorted back to the seats by a former chancellor to signify their path and entry into the college. To confirm their contributions to the profession, they received the fellowship medal, the AIA’s highest membership honor, from Schwennsen. Pappas then welcomed them into the College and provided the charge to close the ceremony:

“Fellowship within the American Institute of Architects is one of the most important honors an architect can receive. This achievement should not be viewed as an end, but rather just the beginning of the contributions you will continue to make to the College of Fellows, to your firm, to your profession, and to your community.

“Fellowship is a benchmark of achievement, a case study of best practice, a role model for future generations of young professionals. Each of you being honored here today represents the very best of our profession.

“It is inherent in the work of the architect that success is shared with the greater society. As leaders of the profession, you are each uniquely charged to insure that design excellence and environmental sensibility is passed on to succeeding generations.

“As you go forward today as exemplary role models and as mentors within our profession, you represent what it means to take responsibility for excellence and distinction in the architectural profession; to create as well as to preserve that which is meaningful to our culture.”

New members of the College received their fellowship and, as well, two standing ovations from their family and friends.

—Tracy Ostroff

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